Savannah's Savory Selections: Top 8 Iconic Restaurants You Can't Miss

Forsyth Park

A large city park that spans 30 acres and is known for its iconic fountain, scenic walking paths, and lush landscapes. It's a hub for local events and a relaxing spot for picnics and sports.

Savannah Historic District

This area preserves the old-world charm of Savannah with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and majestic oaks draped with Spanish moss. It's perfect for walking tours and offers a glimpse into the city's past.

River Street

A bustling waterfront street along the Savannah River, famous for its restaurants, galleries, shops, and beautiful views of passing ships.

Bonaventure Cemetery

Known for its stunning sculptures and historic gravesites, this picturesque cemetery is featured in the novel and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

An iconic cathedral with breathtaking Gothic architecture, ornate details, and beautiful stained glass windows. It's a place of worship and a popular site for tourists.

City Market

A four-block area of restored warehouses featuring art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and live entertainment, reflecting the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

The childhood home of the founder of the Girl Scouts, this historic house offers tours that highlight the life and work of Juliette Gordon Low and the history of the Girl Scouts.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

This Regency-style mansion and its adjacent slave quarters offer a poignant look at antebellum life and slavery in the South, with guided tours that provide historical context.

Day Trips:

HILTON HEAD

Hilton Head Island is a resort town off the coast of South Carolina, known for its picturesque beaches and world-class golf courses. A top-rated restaurant is The Sage Room, which offers an upscale dining experience with innovative dishes, and their signature dish is the Sage Room steak au poivre, a peppercorn-crusted steak served with a cognac cream sauce.

Visitors can enjoy a unique experience with Outside Hilton Head, which provides guided tours and outdoor adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding.

TYBEE ISLAND

Tybee Island is a small coastal city in Georgia, known for its wide sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and laid-back Southern charm. The Sundae Cafe is a highly recommended restaurant on Tybee Island, offering Southern-inspired dishes, with their signature dish being the pecan-crusted grouper with a peach beurre blanc.

Tybee Island Dolphin Adventure offers dolphin tours, providing an exciting opportunity to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat.)

The Grey

Set in a restored 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal, The Grey is a pinnacle of Southern hospitality combined with a unique atmosphere. It has garnered national acclaim for its refined approach to Southern cuisine.

Signature Dish: Country Pasta with Chicken Confit and Calabrian Chilies.

Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room

A Savannah staple since 1943, this spot offers a down-home dining experience where communal tables and Southern classics remind diners of a bygone era. It’s famous for its no-frills, family-style service and deep-rooted Southern charm.

Signature Dish: Fried Chicken and Cornbread Dressing.

Elizabeth on 37th

Housed in an elegant Southern mansion, Elizabeth on 37th has been offering locally sourced and seasonal Southern cooking since 1981. It’s renowned for its commitment to coastal seafood and traditional recipes with a modern twist.

Signature Dish: Savannah Red Rice with Georgia Shrimp.

Olde Pink House

As one of Savannah's oldest buildings, this 18th-century mansion provides a historic backdrop to classic Southern cuisine. Known for its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and live music, it's a favorite for an authentic Savannah experience.

Signature Dish: Mac 'n' Cheese Jalapeño Poppers with Tomato Jam.

Leopold's Ice Cream

A sweet staple since 1919, Leopold's Ice Cream is an old-fashioned parlor that's as much a time capsule as it is a place to indulge in handmade, old-school ice cream. It’s a legendary spot in Savannah's culinary scene.

Signature Dish: The Tutti Frutti ice cream.

The Collins Quarter

Inspired by the cafe culture of Melbourne, Australia, The Collins Quarter is a fusion of international flavors and Southern charm. Its bustling brunch scene and innovative coffee offerings make it a contemporary culinary hotspot.

Signature Dish: The Brunch Burger, topped with savory bacon and a fried egg.

Cotton & Rye

Nestled in a former bank building, Cotton & Rye showcases New American cuisine with a Southern twist. Its focus on artisanal ingredients and in-house butchery has quickly established it as a foodie favorite.

Signature Dish: The Savannah Red Rice Arancini, a creative local take on an Italian classic.

Husk Savannah

Part of a renowned Southern restaurant group, Husk Savannah is housed in a thoughtfully renovated historic building. The menu offers a seasonal exploration of Southern ingredients with a contemporary approach.

Signature Dish: The Southern Fried Chicken Skins, paired with Husk's own hot sauce and local honey.